Question about novice (me) & showing - Page 2

**velmadobe** · 09-01-2007, 03:22 PM

I got into conformation by accident also and got hooked. My situation was almost exactly the same - was looking for an obedience dog and was asked to try it. I was open with the breeder in telling her that I would try it but that I could not (at that time) afford to use a professional.

My bitch probably could have finished with a good pro - I would never have been able to finish her. She is a nice bitch but not good enough to stand out with a novice handler, and has some faults that would not have made her an easy bitch to finish in a very competitive area like the one I live in. I did end up spaying her and I am doing obedience with her.

I showed horses in my youth and I'm a pretty awful dog handler, but will continue to keep working at it. I've got a gimpy foot which makes running a bit of a challange but lots of motrin helps - LOL!

If you want to try it I say go for it, but you do need to really discuss what you are willing to do and not do with the breeder. Don't expect miracles and just make your goal to learn and have fun with your dog at least to start. If the dog is good enough and you work hard enough, then you may do just fine.

robinb · 09-01-2007, 04:09 PM

If you go to the DPCA web-site and hunt around, it's not the most organized site in the world, you will find a series of articles on training and handling in the show ring by Michelle Santana. Michelle is a great handler and these are worth reading and re-reading in my opinion. I only wish that I had found them when I first brought Rex home as a little puppy.

Robin and Rex

StarlaineK9 · 09-01-2007, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by velmadobe

If you want to try it I say go for it, but you do need to really discuss what you are willing to do and not do with the breeder. Don't expect miracles and just make your goal to learn and have fun with your dog at least to start. If the dog is good enough and you work hard enough, then you may do just fine.

BINGO!!

I think sometimes what puts off new people to the sport is the "contract stuff" they get into with regards to showing....especially when they don't really have a good idea what it really takes to finish a doberman (if that is indeed is the intent). I am all for asking people to show....I certainly have one so....but when they say "sure that sounds like fun" my next comment is....ok but now you need to know what you are agreeing to....and you just might change your mind!! LOLOL

Regards,
Elaine

**Quita** · 09-02-2007, 01:22 PM

Thanks, everybody, for all of your replies! Waiting to hear from the breeder to see if she has a companion puppy for me. If not, I'll be sure to ask lots and lots of questions before making a decision about a show puppy. I'll also be sure to check out the contract very carefully.

**Retta** · 09-05-2007, 11:57 AM

Hello Quita
was reading your post with interest. I breed and have bred Dobes for almost 20 yrs, and still am learning about not only the breed, but the conformation side of it. I give you alot of credit for wanting to show your own dog, and you can win, and finish your own dog if you believe in yourself and you capabilities, and your dogs. Learn, learn, learn and more learning is the secret. There is a very good article in the Dobe Digest written by Bill Garnett , a respected AKC judge,called OWNER-HANDLER:FORCE OR FARCE? He goes into detail about what it takes for an amatuer to show their own dogs. I recommend reading it, as it is written with alot of truth and common sense. It is in the Aug 2007 issue. The first thing though is you have to have a good dog, to begin with,then work from there! Good luck!

duncdobe · 09-05-2007, 12:22 PM

well I'm a new owner/handler and it's definitely a tough road. I'm 1 point away from our Canadian Championship and 14 points away from our US Championship...LOL

This is my first dog that I own that I'm showing and let me tell you showing your own dog is WAY harder than showing someone else's dog.

I definitely made lots of mistakes in training; which involved movement issues; you can ask Bug and Elaine.

We now seem to have that conquered and are really starting to feel like a team.

I couldn't have done it without mentors; Elaine and Bug have been great and Elaine will also be showing Boca at the National.

It's a tough game but a lot of fun!!

**Quita** · 09-14-2007, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retta

There is a very good article in the Dobe Digest written by Bill Garnett , a respected AKC judge,called OWNER-HANDLER:FORCE OR FARCE? He goes into detail about what it takes for an amatuer to show their own dogs. I recommend reading it, as it is written with alot of truth and common sense. It is in the Aug 2007 issue. The first thing though is you have to have a good dog, to begin with,then work from there! Good luck!

Thanks so much! I'll check out the article!! Still waiting to get the puppy. Not sure if it will be this litter or the next one. If it's the next litter, I might not get her until spring. It's so hard to wait!

**Quita** · 09-14-2007, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sorthund

Does your breeder show herself? Have her mentor you working with your puppy while it's little, and then take some conformation classes together.

The breeder does show, but she doesn't live that close to me. I did, however, find some local clubs that offer handling classes. Plus, the breeder offered to support me as much as she can through email, phone, etc. She's also checking to see if she knows of other potential mentors who live closer to me. I'm in central NJ.

diamond · 09-14-2007, 11:37 PM

I have been out of the dog show seen for quit some time, but found the doberman show seen to be very competive and professional handlers always have a huge advantage. If you have an exceptional dog however, it is possible to win. If you just want to have fun it is a great way to get experience and everyone has to start somewhere. Go for it!

Gus

**velmadobe** · 09-16-2007, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quita

The breeder does show, but she doesn't live that close to me. I did, however, find some local clubs that offer handling classes. Plus, the breeder offered to support me as much as she can through email, phone, etc. She's also checking to see if she knows of other potential mentors who live closer to me. I'm in central NJ.

I'm in SE PA, so you would be showing in my area. There are many talented handlers in this area, but also several owner handlers. Some of it is learning which judges will at least give you a look and not care who is holding the leash.

There are many good people around your area that can talk to you ringside. Taking a handling class is a very good idea. I'm taking one right now with my daughter - should have done one a long time ago!